Act of Depression

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Underoath chronology
Act Of Depression

Studio album by Underoath
Released	July 4, 1999
Recorded	Wisner Productions
Genre	Metalcore
Length	55:55
Label	Takehold Records
Producer(s)	James Paul Wisner
	Act of Depression (1999)	Cries of the Past (2000)

Act Of Depression is a metalcore/melodic death metal album written and performed by the band, Underoath. It is the first record by the band. The album was released on July 4, 1999 through Takehold Records. The album is currently out of print. The band only made 1000 copies of this album. The lyrics of this album are all about the band's beliefs and Christianity.

[edit] Review

Upon first listening to "Act Of Depression", it's hard to believe that this is the same band that brought you "They're Only Chasing Safety" or even "Changing Of Times". This is coming from someone who likes both the old Underoath music, as well as the new. And to be honest I will say this album is not for everyone, especially those who are more accustomed to Underoath's new sound, or who are not fans of extreme music, because "Act Of Depression" is Underoath at their most volatile and devastating state of sound. While I still believe the band hadn't fully come into their own (that would happen on their next release "Cries Of The Past" though), "Act Of Depression" is great piece of metalcore, and if you are an open minded music fan then there is a lot about this release to enjoy.

"Act Of Depression" at first glance may seem like any other EP out there. It's only six songs. But to not call it a full length would be a big understatement, because the songs are mammoth compositions. Songs range anywhere from 7 to 10 minutes, and the cd itself it over 55 minutes long, much longer than most modern day band's full length's which contain anywhere from 10-12 songs. The music is extremely, extremely technical, and does not follow typical song structures. There are no repeated parts or hooks (and that's saying a lot when a song is over 10 minutes long) and if you are not used to unconventional music of this nature, it may be a big turn off at first. The cd features the original Underoath lineup of only four people: Dallas, Aaron, Octavio and Corey. This is one of the drawbacks of the cd as Chris Dudley, the keyboardist who is an important aspect of the band, would not join until the next release. This gives the album a much more stripped down feeling and sound. As for the songs, most are very, very good considering the members of the band were only 18 when this was recorded. "Heart Of Stone" and "A Burden In Your Hands" are two of the strongest tracks. Dallas' vocals never change from screaming, although he does occasionally throw in some death metal growls or high shrieks. Songs like "A Love So Pure" and "Act Of Depression" are amazing musical compositions which showed what the band was fully capable of at the time. Corey's guitar playing was rigged and heavy, and could easily throw out a breakdown as well as a blazing lead. Aaron and Octavio are notably strong on the drums and bass as well. The cd really does have a lot of very good and memorable music if listened to for what it's worth.

Overall "Act Of Depression" is a solid release, but like I said the band had yet to come into their own. On "Cries Of The Past" when Chris and Matt joined the band, their sound got considerably stronger. Newer fans of Underoath should definitely sample this cd before picking it up, because it's very different. To be honest anyone should sample this cd before picking it up, because it really does take an acquired taste to like and appreciate. However if you are open to more technical and extreme forms of music, then I think you will be very pleased by this release. It's hard to believe that Underoath have changed so much since this release, but they are still making great music, so I think that whatever has happened, has happened for the best. Don't get ripped off by paying too much for this. A great foundation for things that would come. Give it a listen.

[edit] Track listing

"Heart of Stone" – 5:49
"A Love So Pure" – 10:39
"Burden in Your Hands" – 6:27
"Innocence Stolen" – 6:34
"Act Of Depression" – 10:23
"Watch Me Die" – 6:56
"Spirit Of The Living God" (Hidden Track) – 9:07

[edit] Personnel

Dallas Taylor - vocalist
Octavio Fernandez – bassist
Aaron Gillespie – drummer
Corey Steger – guitarist/vocals
Produced by James Paul Wisner
All music written by Underoath

Underoath
Spencer Chamberlain – Aaron Gillespie – Timothy McTague – Christopher Dudley – Grant Brandell - James Smith
Discography
Albums: Act of Depression – Cries of the Past – The Changing of Times – They're Only Chasing Safety – They're Only Chasing Safety (Special Edition) – Define the Great Line